Comparing Behavioral Interventions and Sensory Integration Therapy to Improve Occupational Performance in Children with Autism
Level of Education of Students Involved
Graduate
Faculty Sponsor
Sara Story
College
College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)
Discipline(s)
Occupational Therapy
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-24-2025
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder often receive ABA therapy to improve occupational performance limited by sensory processing deficits. However, sensory integration interventions have also been proven effective within this population. This modified systematic review examined “How does sensory integration therapy compare to behavioral interventions (e.g., ABA) in children diagnosed with ASD to improve occupational performance?” Our initial comprehensive search consisted of an extensive database search for relevant studies using the following search terms: children, autism spectrum disorder or ASD, ABA, sensory integration, and occupational performance. Searches yielded a broad range of articles, which were then further examined in meeting the inclusion criteria of articles consisting of participants of ages between preschool (3/4yrs) to 18yrs and diagnosed with ASD, that are peer-reviewed, published in English, published between February 1, 2015- now, and that evaluate/utilize sensory integration based or behavioral-based interventions to analyze occupational performance/occupation-based related outcomes. Excluded articles consisted of systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and dissertations, and studies that were not published in English, included participants older than adults and were not diagnosed with ASD, published before February 1, 2015, and that did not evaluate/utilize sensory integration based or behavioral-based interventions to analyze occupational performance or occupation-based related outcomes. Overall, 15 articles were selected and included in the review, demonstrating moderate to low levels of evidence. The findings revealed potentially positive outcomes of ABA therapy/sensory integration in improving occupational performance and displayed receptiveness in incorporating more sensory-driven activities within the practice. Additional research is needed to address the benefits of ABA therapy and sensory integration in improving occupational performance in children with Autism.
Recommended Citation
Flores, Ashley; Colon, Julianna; Reyes, Gianna; and Story, Sara, "Comparing Behavioral Interventions and Sensory Integration Therapy to Improve Occupational Performance in Children with Autism" (2025). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1461.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1461
Biographical Information about Author(s)
The authors are first-year occupational therapy doctoral students at Valparaiso University. Ash Flores and Julianna Colon both have a background in exercise science, and Gianna Reyes has a background in recreational therapy.